07/31/2025
Thank you for raising awareness even a day after; it’s never too late to speak out.
Yesterday marked World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and the story of truck driver Kevin Kimmel is a powerful reminder that ordinary people can save lives. Kevin noticed signs of distress and reported what turned out to be a case of s*x trafficking, thanks to training from Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT).
Since 2009, TAT has trained over 2 million individuals, helping rescue hundreds of victims, including more than 300 minors.
At Ripple NPO, we stand with the vulnerable and oppressed, those whose voices are often silenced. While our work may differ, we share in the commitment to protect human dignity and remind our community: we all have a role in creating a safer world.
Learn more about TAT’s vital work: https://tatnonprofit.org
Read more about the incredible story of Kevin Kimmel's quick-thinking in saving a teen girl and the life-saving work of TAT here 👇
The incredible story of Kevin Kimmel's quick-thinking in saving a teen girl is an important reminder for today's World Day against Trafficking in Persons of the power of everyone to make a difference. Kimmel, a truck driver, was parked at a truck spot when an old RV caught his attention. He noticed “a young girl peek out and be abruptly pulled back from the window, and the shade pulled back over it.” Kimmel called the police because he recognized the warning signs of forced prostitution thanks to training from an organization called TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking); that call ended weeks of physical and s*xual abuse for the victim.
Since its founding in 2009, TAT has trained over 2 million people to recognize and report human trafficking, and those truckers have helped free hundreds of trafficking victims, including over 300 minors. Kylla Lanier, one of TAT’s co-founders, says Kimmel’s actions are exactly what TAT is all about: “Trafficking happens everywhere. It's happening in homes, in conference centers, at schools, casinos, truck stops, hotels, motels, everywhere," she explains. "You know, it's an everywhere problem, but truckers happen to be everywhere."
Although people often think trafficking doesn’t happen close to home, the truth is that trafficking takes place in all types of communities around the world. Fortunately, according to TAT, truckers are in an excellent position to help: “As the eyes and ears of our nation's highways, [they] are in a unique position to make a difference and close loopholes to traffickers who seek to exploit our transportation system for their personal gain.” TAT provides training in how to recognize possible trafficking victims, including subtle signs like a lack of access to their own ID and cash or conversation that sounds scripted, as well as resources to help those trapped by traffickers and pimps.
TAT has partnered with hundreds of trucking companies to make their resources widely available. Law enforcement is also on board, with many states actively encouraging TAT training for all truckers. Most importantly, the truckers and truck stop employees who work with TAT now recognize that traffickers are out there -- and just how much they can do to help. “Before if I saw a pr******te, I would have thought, 'Hey, that's what they want to do,'” says Sam Tahour, District Manager for TA Travel Plaza. “Now I know what signs to look for. I know what actions to take... This is what's going on out there, and these people need a hero.”
To learn more about TAT, visit their website at https://tatnonprofit.org/
For an eye-opening book about an American teen girl who becomes trapped in the underworld of human trafficking, we highly recommend "The Life I'm In" for ages 14 and up at https://www.amightygirl.com/the-life-i-m-in
For a powerful book that explores modern indentured servitude through one young girl's story, check out "Amal Unbound" for ages 10 and up at https://www.amightygirl.com/amal-unbound
For an excellent though challenging novel about one Nepalese girl's experience being trafficked into prostitution, we recommend "Sold" for readers 14 and up at https://www.amightygirl.com/sold
For a powerful memoir by a woman dedicated to ending the trafficking of girls in the U.S. as the founder of Girls Are Not For Sale, who herself is a survivor, check out “Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not for Sale” at http://amzn.to/1X2brW7
For two inspiring books for young readers filled with practical advice on how to make change on issues they care about, we recommend "Start Now! You Can Make a Difference!" for ages 7 to 11 (https://www.amightygirl.com/start-now) and "It's Your World! Get Informed, Get Inspired, & Get Going!" for ages 10 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/it-s-your-world)
